Ancestry UK

Wellington, Somerset

[Up to 1834] [After 1834] [Staff] [Inmates] [Records] [Bibliography] [Links]

Up to 1834

In 1735, a workhouse was constructed on part of the site of the bishop's palace at Wiveliscombe. A parliamentary report of 1777 recorded parish workhouses in operation at Wellington (for up to 150 inmates) and Wiveliscombe (65 inmates).

After 1834

Wellington Poor Law Union was formed on 17th May 1836. Its operation was overseen by an elected Board of Guardians, 34 in number, representing its 24 constituent parishes as listed below (figures in brackets indicate numbers of Guardians if more than one):

Somerset: Ashbrittle, Badialton, Bradford, Chipstable, Fitzhead, Hillfarence, Kittisford, Langton Budville, Milverton (3), Nynehead, Oake, Raddington, Runnington, Sampford Arundel, Stanley, Thorn St Margaret, Wellington (4), West Buckland, Wiveliscombe (3).
Devon: Burlescombe (2), Calyhidon, Culmstock (2), Hemyock (2), Holcombe Regis.

The population falling within the union at the 1831 census had been 20,985 with parishes ranging in size from Badialton (population 98) to Wellington itself (4,762). The average annual poor-rate expenditure for the period 1833-35 had been £11,148.

The Wellington Board of Guardians met for the first time on 18th May, 1836, and moved that Mr Richard Carver, County Surveyor, be called upon to give assistance on the subject of a workhouse. Carver produced a satisfactory design which was based on the popular cruciform or "square" model plan issued by the Poor Law Commissioners. On 22nd June, 1836, a building tender from Messrs Hanniball and Bradwell was accepted. The building was erected at a site on the north side of North Street and was completed the following year.

The Board of Guardians in 1837 included the Revd WP Thomas (Chairman), P Broadmead (Vice-chairman), W Rodham (Clerk), and the Revd H Barker (Auditor).

The workhouse location and layout are shown below on the 1904 map below.

Wellington site, 1904.

Wellington workhouse from the west, c.1911.
© Peter Higginbotham.

The site later became an old people's home known as The Lodge. The buildings were demolished in the 1970s and housing now occupies the site.

Mantle Street Children's Home

In the early 1900s, the union established a home for 15 children at 5 Mantle Street in Wellington. In 1919 and in 1929, Miss Mary Mabel Yeo was recorded as the home's Matron.

5 Mantle Street, 2006.
© Peter Higginbotham.

Staff

Inmates

Records

Note: many repositories impose a closure period of up to 100 years for records identifying individuals. Before travelling a long distance, always check that the records you want to consult will be available.

  • Somerset Heritage Centre, Brunel Way, Langford Mead, Norton Fitzwarren, Taunton TA2 6SF. Many records survive including: Guardians' minute books (1836-1930); Births (1867-1943); Deaths (1867-1914); Offences and punishment book (1851-1914); etc.

Bibliography

  • Smith, Lance Wellington: an Inadequate Workhouse, Journal of Telford Historical and Archaeological Society, 1999, No. 3, pp. 15-20)

Links

  • None.

[Top of Page] [Unions List] [Unions Map] [Home Page]



Ancestry UK

* * * Amazon US For US readers Amazon US * * *